Canberra, Australia – Shubman Gill's recent performance in the first T20I against Australia has sparked comparisons to Virat Kohli, with former India star Dinesh Karthik highlighting the pressure the young opener faces. Gill's composed innings of 37* off 20 balls in the rain-affected match showcased his ability to score effortlessly, mirroring Kohli's trademark ODI style.
Karthik emphasized the weight of expectations on Gill, noting the stiff competition within the Indian squad. "I am sure he is aware of the kind of players he is keeping out, starting from Sanju (Samson), Yashasvi (Jaiswal) and the rest like Ruturaj and KL Rahul, etc," Karthik stated. He pointed out that being a T20 player in the current Indian setup requires exceptional consistency and match-winning performances.
Gill's return to the T20I side after a year-long absence has also led to scrutiny, especially considering the promising opening combination of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson that was disrupted. Aakash Chopra has voiced concerns about the fairness of moving Samson down the order despite his impressive performances, further intensifying the pressure on Gill to justify his place in the team.
"This series is going to be crucial for Shubman Gill," Chopra said, referencing Gill's underwhelming performance as ODI captain and the need for him to deliver. He also noted the presence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is waiting for his opportunity and adding to the competition.
While Gill's recent innings has drawn praise, his overall T20I record remains a point of discussion. He averages under 30 with a strike rate of 142.96 in 29 T20Is. Karthik believes that Gill has the potential to excel if he maintains the approach displayed in the recent match. "We all know he can get a hundred but at what pace you get the hundred is what everybody is looking at. If he bats like this, he'll do it quite nicely for India," Karthik said.
The comparisons to Virat Kohli, while flattering, also bring added pressure on Shubman Gill. Kohli set a high standard with his performance in his debut ODI series as captain, scoring 197 runs at an average of 98.50. As Gill navigates his role as vice-captain and a key player in the T20I side, his performance in the ongoing series against Australia will be closely watched. The pressure to perform is amplified by the presence of talented players like Samson and Jaiswal vying for a place in the team and the upcoming T20 World Cup.
